"The senators swore to uphold the Constitution; the Constitution empowers the governor to convene them in special session," Paterson said in a press conference. "If senators do not come to special session, they are in violation of the Constitution. That is very clear."

He went on to say, "I am directing the state treasurer to withhold any paychecks or per diem checks from June 8 forward. If you do not come to work, you shouldn't get paid."

Of course, as a spokesman for the State Comptroller's office just told me, senators were paid today for June 11 through 24. Per diem expenses–$160 per day–are reimbursed on a rolling basis.

Of the governor's request, he said "we have to review what our options are legally."